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SERMON, 

PRE A C H E D A T HATFIELD, 
OCTOBER, 20, 1807. 



AT TH£ OPSNING 



OB 



HATFIELD BRIDGE. 



BY JOSEPH LYMAN, D. D. 

PAS7QR OF THE CHURCH IN HATFIELD. 



NORTHAMPTON, 

PRINTED ;By WILLIAM SUTLER. 

1 807* 



Q 






AT a legal meeting of the Proprietors of Hatjield Bridge y 
holden by adjournfnent, at the houfe of Dr, Daniel White, 
in Hatfieldy on the 20th Oii, 1 807, 

Voted that Samuel F, Dickinfon, Efq. Mr, Nathaniel 

Smith, and Major Caleb Hubbard, be a mnmittee, to re* 

iurn the thanks of this Corparation to the Rev, Dr. Lyman, 

for his elegant and appropriate Sermon, this day delivered , 

and to requeji a copy thereof for theprefs. 

Atteft. 

Calfin Merrill Clerk* 



'5 \ W ^v 
^3 



ISAIAH, LXII. 10, 

Go through, go through the gates ; prepare ye the way of 
the people : caji up, caji up the highway ; gather out the 
Jlones ; lift up ajiandardfor the people. 

Jl he miniflers of Chrid:, when called to addrefs 
aflerablies v/hich bear his name and own his authority, 
fliould improve the opportunity to promote the interefts 
ol his kingdom, to honour the wifdom and goodnefs o£ 
his difpenfations, and to excite the confidence of his peo- 
ple in his promifes of grace and falvation to fmners. The 
events which take place, the counfels and labours, the 
plans and enterpiizes of men, all have an immediate or 
more remote influence upon the kingdom of our Redeem- 
er, and tend to bring forward the future peace and en- 
largement of the chriftian church, and that purity and 
felicity which a guilty world is to obtain under the ad- 
miniflration of Iramanuel. To him are the concerns of 
men committed : To him all things are fubordinate : All 
creatures are his agents to accomplifh his wife purpofes, 
and to prepare the way for a fulfilment of his promifes of 
reft and glory to a world long loft in folly, wickednefs 
and woe. By his infcrutable counfels and operations, 
Chrifl has from the beginning been preparing the way 
for the triumphs of his mercy in the reftoration of our 
miferable race, to purity of heart, and the rich enjoyment 
of divine proteftion and love. By his wifdom and pow- 
er, the ruler of nations, the friend of men, the redeem- 
er of finners gives every event a certain direction to pro- 
mote the ends of his moral government in bringing for- 
ward the full manifeftations of the Father's love to 
wretched finners, and in exalting the kingdom of grace 
upon the ruins of all the power, enterprize, and fuccefs 
of his adverfaries. It is Chrift's care that thofe hoftile ex- 
ertions which in every age, are direffed againft his king- 
dom, Ihall help forward his defigns and eftablifh his in» 
fruftrable decrees. The wrath of man will praife him. 



C4 ] 

The progrcfs and fuccefs of the devils power fliall ter- 
minate in the confirmation and radiant fplendor of the 
kingdom of righteoufnefs. Although he tarry, yet, con- 
fidently, wait for him. The joyous end will come, it will 
not tarry beyond the time appointed. Wifdom will 
lead us to contemplate creatures as his agents and revo- 
lutions as rolling onward his counfels of love to men. He 
v^ill employ the devices and labours of men to terminate 
the reign of fin and mifery in our world, and to haflen the 
blefled day when " the New-Jerufalem Ihali come down 
*' from God out of heaven prepared as a bride adorned 
** for her hufband." 

In the chapter of our text the prophet labours to con- 
Jirm our hearts in the promifes God has made to his re- 
deemed church and calls upon us to offer up our prayers 
and to lend our diligent co-operations for the accomplifli- 
mentof the good things he has fpoken of Zion, the city 
of our folemnities. To animate our exertions and hopes 
he reminds us of the oath of God to nourifh, protect and 
lave his heritage. " The Lord hath fworn by his right 
*' hand and by the arm of his flrcngth, furely I will no 
*' more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies, and 
" the fons of the ftranger fliall not drink the wine for 
*' which thou haft laboured : But they that have gath- 
*' ered it fliall eat it and praife the Lord ; and they that 
*' have brought together fhall drink it in the courts of my 
" holinefs. 

That the kind purpofes of God's oath may b* effe^ed, 
and covenanted bleffings be fecured to mankind, the pro- 
phet urgently calls upon all to roufe their attention and 
fummon their energies to this great and good work. 
*' Go through, go through the gates ; prepare ye the 
*' way of the people, caft up, caft up the high way ; gath- 
*' er out the ftones ; lift up a llandard for the people.'* 

The a£i:ive zeal with which Chrift will infpire the 
hearts of men to forward his defigns, as the feaion of his 
fecond coming to blefs the world approaches, is reprefcn- 
ted under the image of a populous city, full of buftle 
and ftir and ardent labour, ihe inhabitants pafling and re- 
paffmg in clufters, through the gates, repairing the high- 



[ 5 ] 

ways and opening nc vv avenues for the admiilion and ac- 
commodation of the multitudes coming to join their com- 
munity and dwell within their walls. Vigorous will be 
the exertions to win new fabje^ls to the Saviour's ftandard, 
to enrol them denizens of Zion, and furnifli to them the 
privileges of his faving goodnefs. A glorious flandard 
will be ere^ledby his fervants to guide men to their refuge, 
to cover them from dangers, and to affure them of rich 
and unfpeakable bklhngs. Zion has faithful promifes, 
that in her future glory the earth fliall be full cf the 
knowledge, love and enjoyment of God ; the people wiU 
be all righteous and have an abundance of peace, length 
of days, health and joy. The earth fhall be full of people, 
the feafons will be meliorated, the foil be rendered pro- 
lific and the arts and occupations of men fliall promote the 
population of the world by furnifliing a rich fupply for 
all their wants. The ufeful and produclive arts of life, 
health and temperate pleafures fliall be cultivated and car- 
ried to perfefiion. The evils which now alTail us, im- 
pair health and rob us of our joys, difturb our union and 
fafety and wafle life,will in the courfe of providence be re- 
moved. The means and ordinances of religion will be 
improved and fucceeded in advancing all the focial, mor- 
al and chriflian virtues to the fummit of earthly perfefl- 
ion. Of thefe benefits prophecy affures us where it pre- 
dicts in beautiful figurative languague, " That Holinefs 
" (liall be written upon the btlls of their horfcs." Even 
the relaxations and amufements of life will be turned to 
the noble purpofes of increaling and perfecting the fervice 
of God and the pure delights of his people. Notiiing 
will be left to hurt or deftroy in all God's holy moun- 
tain : And this holy mountain ihall fill the vyhole earth. 

Scarcely can calculation reach the accumulated num- 
bers of men under the triumphant reign of onrlmmauue!. 
Wars fliall ceafe under the whole heaven, and univer- 
fal peace (liall referve for population the millions which 
in every age are now falling by the edge of the fword. 
Temperance and lobriety fliali banifli the inroads of dif- 
r.ifc, and refcue from pedilence her annual prey.— - 
The facilities of gaining fubfiflence, and the honors 



L 6 3 

paid to marriage (hail multiply the families and tribes of 
men. How fubdantial the felicities of that period h\ 
which the ftiield of providence ihall proteft men from 
harm, and the operations of his grace and fpirit fliall pu- 
rify their hearts and refcue their lives from the excef- 
fes ofvice & thofe fubfcquent evils which flow from human 
depravity. None of the people (hall fay ^^ I arnftcky* 
and little boys and girls, engaged in their innocent amiife- 
ments,Jhall fill thejlreets of the holy city ? The weari- 
forae toils of life (hall ceafc, and the falutary labours of 
indudry Ihall be crowned with the efficient blefling of ■ 
ihe Almighty. To this bleded era the eyes of good 
men look forward with delight : For thefe joyous s 
events will the humane and benevolent labour and pray : 
Believing fouls will wait on God, plead his promife and his 
oath, and fupplicate his pov/er and grace to haften the 
renovation and happinefs of man, and the manifeflatiori 
of his own goodnefs. Attentive chriftians will watch the 
figns of the times, and the footfreps of their Redeemer's 
providence. When , they fee the mighty preparations 
of the Lord in bringing forward the peace and glory of 
Zion, they will wonder,adore and praife. 

For thoufands of vears it has been a feafon of humili- 
ation, darknefs and raifery to man. He who rules in 
the hearts of the children of difobedience has exercifed 
an extenfive fway over the nations, filled the world with 
violence, wafting and death, with crimes and miferies. — 
Creation has groped for light and groaned for deliver- 
ance. Thus far hath the Lord fulfered the adverfary 
to prevail, that the power and grace of our Deliverer 
may appear more wonderful and Jus triumph more il- 
luflrious. The Lord hath neither forgotten nor forfak- 
en the earth. Zion is engraven on his heart and on the 
palms of his hands. Partial interpofitions and falvations 
liave been earnefU of future viffory. The immu- 
tability of his promife and oath teaches his children con- 
fidently to hope, " That the fet time to favor Ziori 
"will come.'* \\\ the courfe of events, in the changes, 
difcoveries and improvem.ents which have taken place a- 
mong men, the diligent obfcrvcr will fee the certain prog- | 



C 7 J 

refs of Chrift's government towards the deflruciion of 
his enemies, the mitigation of human miferies, the re- 
covery of man from guilt and ruin, and their reinftate- 
ment in that love of God, that fafety and happinefs for 
which his grace can fo abundantly qualify them. 

What do we now difcover to animate our hopes, that 
the darknefs which hath covered the earth is vanifliing 
away, and that light will foon vifit the habitations of 
men. Here the fearful and unbelieving with their bod- 
ing apprehenfions and cavilHng doubts, would arreft 
my argument and enfeeble your hopes in the near ap- 
proach of the felicity of man by the enlargement of Zion. 
To damp our glowing cxpeftations, they fay, When 
were the arts of infidelity, the efforts of irreligion, im- 
piety, human depravity and profligacy more flrenuoufly 
and fuccefsfully employed ? Do you not fee the tender 
feelingsof the heart obliterated, moral fentiment deeply, 
depraved and a diforganizing fyftem of demorahzation 
fpread over the civilized world. The beft inftitutions of 
religion, of civil and focial intercourfe are enfeebled, dif- 
graced and almoft annihilated. Sec you not the wit and 
ingenuity, the talent and enterprize of man devoted to 
fchemes of vice and folly, the ready inftruments of hu- 
man degradation and wretchednefs ? See you not the 
boundlefs refources of human art and enterprize abforb- 
ed in meafures of wafting and deftruftion ? The means 
of human gratification are converted into inftruments of 
fubjugation, of carnage and defolation. The barriers of 
fafety, and inftitutions moft valuable and neceflary to 
man are laid proftrate in the duft. The world is over- 
whelmed with thofe fufierings which are moft dreadful 
and ruinous. The inhabitants of the earth, employed as 
their own executioners, are greedily pl\]cking down ruin 
upon their own heads. Men*s hearts fail them through 
fear of the evils which are coming upon them ; and they 
groan under evils which they have neither ikill to evade 
nor power to remove. The face of the civilized world is 
pale with amazement at the intrufion of the horrors of 
the barbarous ages and the fcorpion lalhes of n reknt- 
lefs defpotifm. 



[ 8 ] 

Afks the IcoiFing fceptic. Are thefe the forerun- 
ners of man's renovation ? Thefe the prefages of the 
coming and kingdom of the Prince of Peace ? They 
are. 

The fourth beafl which arofeout of the fea, dreadful 
and terrible and itrong exceedingly, which had great 
iron teeth and devoured and break in pieces and ftamp- 
ed the refidue under his feet is finifliing his power and 
dominion among men. His authority was ellabliflied 
when the Roman Commonwealth had fubdued Perfeus, 
the lad Monarch of the Grecian dynafty. With an un- 
principled and favage barbarity the Roman beafl fub- 
verted and wafted the kingdoms of the world ; and when 
no food could be longer found among other nations, he 
turned his rage upon his own bowels, harralTed and 
butchered the citizens of Rome, and the tributary na- 
tions, and deluged the whole empire with wafting, mifl 
ery and woe. Thefe wrongs and diftrefles of nien led 
them to figh and pant after deliverance. They had in 
thefe conflicts learned the inefficacy of Grecian philofo- 
phy and Roman virtue to recover men from wickednefs 
and mifery. They Jooked and longed for a Saviour to 
come, to enlighten and fave a world lying in the depths 
of infamy, fuffering and defpair. The triumphs of Ro- 
man ufurpaiion and the griefs and anguifli of men, 
under wrongs and injuries, taught them their wickednefs, 
their impotence and wretchednefs, and prepared them 
to welcome the approach of that great Deliverer whom 
the nations had fo long expelled. Thus the diftrefles 
of men under the tyranny of the beaft prepared the 
way of the Lord before his face. They were the fore- 
runners of the nativity of the Son of God who was 
then born to redeem and fave a perifliing world. In like 
manner, the prefent wrongs and fufferings of mankind 
under the cruel dominion of this fame beaft, whofc 
power is continued in the French empire, which has 
nearly fwallowed up the ten kingdoms of Europe, thefe 
wrongs and fuiTerings of mankind are a fit preparation 
for the fecond coming of the Lord Jefus to fpread his 
glorious kingdom over the earth. The perplexities and 



C 9 ] 

woes of men are calculated and defigned to prepare the 
world for the propagation of the gofpel of peace and 
reconciliation among all nations. 

- In the prefent darknefs and diftrefs of men, we are 
taught, with unerring certainty, the errors of a fceptical 
philofophy, a boafting illuminifm 2i\\di 2. rational chriiliani- 
ty. By following thefe guides men have loft their way, 
imbibed corrupt opinions, their morals are grofsly de- 
praved and their lives are ftained with crimes and they 
are enveloped in doubt, darknefs and defpair. We fee 
when the truth of the gofpel is forfaken, the long tried 
and falutary inflitutions of fociety are fubverted and the 
fecurity and peace of nations are deitroyed, how men's 
bcfl inher^ances are torn from them, and their tendered 
conueflions are dilTolved. We fee how old empires 
and principalities vanifli at the approach of violence and 
ufurpation ; how the liberties of men, tainted with the 
breath of licentioufnefs, will expire under the magic rod 
of fiiftion and anarchy. It is owing to the predominance 
of fceptical principles, that we live in an age of degra- 
dation, and fee mufliroora emperors, kings, princes and 
dukes arifmg out of the aflies of civil government and 
freedom. We fee our world tortured with convulfions, 
and the friends of human dignity andhappinefs bathed in 
tears and covered with fackcloth, while they contem- 
plate the evils which infidel philofophy and a,ii impious 
apoflafy from the chriflian faith have brought upon this 
polluted, debafed world. But when the devil comea 
down in great wrath it is becaufe his time is flicrt.-— 
Do you hear the voice of the Almighty fliaking terriblijf 
the nations ? Thefe, blefTed be God, thefe are the 
harbingers fent to prepare the way for the peace and 
glory of his church. God will work when men make 
void his law ; when his enemies exalt themfelves, he 
will fliow hirafelf to be higher than they. Do not. 
chriilians, do not in dark and-gloom.y times, defpair of 
the promifes ; be not weary in v»-aiting upon God. For 
in due time ye JJdjU reap if ye faint not. 

I have fpoken, thus diflufely of thefe afGiaing evil?. 
thefe trials of the f?.;th ".ncl patience of the faints, that 1 



[ JO J 

might perfuade you to view them not in a difticartcning 
but in an animating point of lightjasthe preludes of Zion's 
better days : to remind you, that as in the natural fo in 
the moral worldjthe darkeft moments ufher in the dawn- 
ing of the day. 

Let us now turn our eyes from the glittering tokens of 
Chrift's coming and kingdom, thefe awful terors that at' 
ifndthe wondrous way which brings his blejjings down, — 
Our attention is invited for a few minutes, to more 
pleafmg tokens that Chrifl: will foon return to blefs the 
earth, with truth and peace. Blefled be his name for 
his gracious alTurr.uces, that he will turn all the devices- 
and hoftilities of his enemies upon their own heads, and 
the meafures which they purfue to marr his glory and 
fubvert his caufe, lliall terminate in their confufion and 
m the falvation and thankfgivings of his own people. — • 
Let us then trace the footfteps of his providence and 
difcover the confoling evidences of Chrift's care, and in- 
terelt in the concerns and happinefs of m.en ; thdt all' 
his difpenfations are in a gradual, but fare progreh' to 
the future enlargement and glory of his church upon 
earth. With what hope and joy mud we contemplate 
the direft and inftituted means whjch his children' and- 
fi-iends are actively and zealoufly erap'oying to fpread 
far and wide the tidings of falvation by furnifliing re-- 
fources and ufnig exertions and pouring out prayers for; 
the fuccefs of the everiadinggofpel ? What numbers- 
Supported by chriflian liberality, aided by pious fupplica- 
t-ions and warmed with heavenly fympathy and zeal, arc 
now rimning to and fro in the earth that the knowledge j 
and love of Jefus may be increafed. This is a great andi 
glorious theme. It is a theme which employs the hearts 
and tongues of faints and angels. Altho' I cannot ncv/ 
enter upon it, yet, your confcienecs would reproach 
mefhould 1 not mention it as the principal and moit: 
hopeful difpenfation of providence by which, with theH 
aids of the Holy Spirit, the gofpel is to acquire it? 
created fuccefs and the renovation of this world is to be 

o 

obtained. Leaving this delightful fubjeft, let me turn 
ycuratt^ntionto thofe events, in the kingdom ofpuovi- 



dence, which prefage the fpeedy appearance of Chrifl to 
blefs his church and fave the nations ot the earth. 

Among the preparatory means and happy prefages of 
Chrifl's univerfal dominion over the hearts and Hves of 
men, we may reckon all thofe ufeful difcoveries of for- 
mer and pi-efent times, thofe inventions of human art and 
genius by which the intercoufe of the nations is made 
eafy and expeditious, by which the means of fubfiftencc 
are increafed and the wants of men are more readily re- 
lieved and their numbers and comforts multiplied. The 
multitudes of the faved are new fourcesofglory to Chrift 
and of rapturous joy to his friends. Well therefore 
may we take into our account, as preparatory fteps to- 
wards the world's future felicity and glory, all thofe im- 
provements in fociety which add to the fubfiftcnce and 
accommodation of men and multiply their numbers in 
the earth. 

Now confider how providence is preparing the way 
for thofe countlefs multitudes who fliall inherit the earth 
in the reign of peace and righteoufnefs. What a facility 
has the invention ofprintijtg added to the acquifition of 
learning and fcience, to the attainment of knowledge in 
all our focial, civil and religious interells and concerns ? 
What a diminution of laboi, and what a radiance of light 
has refiilted from this important difcovery ? 

The difcovery of the magnet and the application of its 
rayfterious powers has made cheap and eafy, frequent 
and fafe the intercoufe of nations, and brought into con- 
tiguity the mofl remote countries and regions of the 
earth. Incalculable are the improvements which have 
been made in the arts of navigation and trade, and in the 
wealth and enjoyments of nations fmce the magnet has 
unfolded its powers and ufes to mankind. A wide door 
and efFe6lual has been opened for the progrefs of trade, 
the acquifition of wealth, the exchange of the earth's 
bounties and for cementing falutary connexions between 
the various and diflant tribes of men. Friend of Jefus ! 
look and fee what facilities are derived from this difcov- 
ery for fending the gofpel of peace, with its unfpeakabic 
bleffings, to all your brethren who dwell on dillaatcoa- 



tinents and in the Iflands of the fea ? The wealth of na- 
tions, fo much augmented by modern difcoveries and 
improvements, is now applied as fueltomen^s lufts, to 
inflame avarice, to foiler ambition and to feed fenfuality ; 
but this wealth, in the fcheme of Chriil's government, 
iias its important ufe. In that day, when all fhall be right- 
ifous and fmcerely love one another, the wealth of the na- 
tions fhail be devoted to human happinefs and to culti- 
vate in all hearts, the love of God and man. In this ap- 
plication of the wealth flowing from recent inventions and 
enterprizes doth our Lord fay, Thefdvcr and the gold 
are mine. Conflder, my hearers, how much property is 
accum.ulated by men ; then drawn out of their hands and 
applied to the purpofes of ambition and vanity, of war 
■and deftru£tion : how much money is every year expend- 
ed to butcher and pillage and plunder your brethren ot 
mankind ? Prefently the wealth and forces of the Gen- 
tiles fliall be turned unto the Lord, and then how much 
fubflantial, permanent, never ending good fliall this 
wealth, now vi'orfe than lofl:, procure to our world.*— 
With the eye of chriflian faith, let us, then, fee, ad- 
mire and approve of the aftivity, invefl:igation, exertion 
and enterprize of men, in purfuing projefts of public ac- 
com.modation, in opening new channels of intercourfe, 
iiev; fources of gain, new inventions to reduce the quan- 
tity of labour and increafe the produces of art. Let us 
with pleafure fee them opening new roads, cultivating 
new difcoveries ; and turning all the mechanic powers to 
fome of the ufeful purpofes of life. The furpriflng 
progrefs made in this country and Europe,' to render eafy, 
j:heap and fafe, the conveyance of perfons and property, 
the eflablifliment o^ packets andjlages. the ereElion of ufe- 
ful public buildings and bridges are to be attributed to the 
wifdom of providence in ripening and preparing the 
world for a better flate of fociety in fome approaching 
age. ^ ^ _ 

An intelligent friend,* fpeaking of the uncommon 
zeal and activity of the people in opening canals, mak- 

* The late pious 'acd vsaerable Timorhy Stor.ej of Lebvinon, 
Goaas(J>icat. . . 



i; '3 3 

ing roads and eflablifliing ftages, faid " TJjis labour will 
7iot be loft ; we are at work for thofe who 'will live in the 
Milknium." Could we all be purfuaded to make our 
difcoveries, exertions and enterprizes ufeful to others ; 
did we calculate upon a large fcale for the comfort and 
prefervation of life, and for the intercft of future genera- 
tions, we fhould have the fatisfaftion ot an approving 
confcience as v/orking for ChriH and his kingdom ; and 
then we might be affared that our labour would not be 
in vain in the Lord. 

My Chrifiianfrioids atid brethren, 

"While we contemplate the wifdom and goodnefs of our 
adorable Saviour in directing the difpenfations of provi- 
dence, and, the inventions and labours of men to the 
benevolent purpofes of His moral government, and in 
preparing the world for the full participation of his 
promifed grace, let us not pafs unnoticed thofe wonder- 
ful improvements and extenfive enterprizes which the 
prefent agehas witneiTed in the conflrudion of numer- 
ous, magnificent Bridges over our moft rapid and dan- 
gerous rivers. The number, the ftrength and fecurity 
of thefe flruftures exceed the mod fanguine hopes and 
calculations of our fathers. Half a centuiy palled, cre- 
dulity itfelf would not have meditated thefe enterprizes 
nor dreamed of their fuccefs. The throwing of Bridges 
acrofs the wide flowing and rapid waters of the 
CGnnodicut would, a few years iince, have been treated 
as an ideal and romantic proje£lion : But we are this 
day convened to acknowledge the goodnefs of providence 
in the finilhing, and opening of the fifteenth Bridge e- 
re£i:ed over that magnificent and potent flream. 

This is the happy event, which has brought us into this 
houfe of God, to make our humble acknowledgments to 
him, for fucceeding this expenfive and beneficial work j 
to indulge our friendly feelings towards one another, to 
teftify our cordial approbation of this laborious effort of 
human fkill, perfeverance and public fpirit ; and to unite 
our fmcere wiflies and cordial prayers, that the benefits of 
this work may be permanent and co-extenflve with the mcfi 
fanguine expectations of the proprietors, patrons and execu- 



3 m] 

ion of this laudable enterprize. It Is a good work :— • 
May the good Lord add his bleiTing to it, and prcferve 
it, as one among his innumerable inftruments of promot- 
ing the enjoyments, of exciting the thankfulnefs and of 
increafmg the filial dependence of his creatures upon his 
unerring wifdora and fatherly kindnefs. 

In reccolleding the progrefs of this labour, we fliould 
notice with fubmiffive refignation, the many delays, em- 
barraiTments and lofTes which have attended the execu- 
tion of it. But all thefc embarralTments and loffes we 
ihould hold in fmall account, had not the infcrutable coun- 
fels of our Father in heaven made this work the oc- 
cafion of the fudden and difaftrous death of our valuable 
friend, Mr. Solomoti Bolticood. This aflive patron 
and principal of the defign, precious to his family and 
connexions, and a valuable member of fociety, was here 
called to finifli his earthly toils, and go into the imme- 
diate prefence of his God and Judge. Thus is the life 
of man endangered in his moft ufeful employments ; 
thus our pleafures are interfperfed with griefs ; thus 
would God teach us all, that we have a v/ork to do, in- 
finitely more important and interefling than any jworldly 
project. 

It would be neither pious nor reafonable, that our 
grief at the loffes and bereavments which have ac- 
companied this labour of love, fliould flifle and fiipprefs 
our temperate joys on the completion of a defign of 
inch public utility. 

"We, gratefully, approve that conflant perfeverance, 
active 7xal and expenfive liberalicy which infpired the 
Propy'ictors of this flru(flure to encounter, and furmount 
tliofe various embarralTments and difficulties which threat- 
ened the abortion of their enterprize ; and that enduring 
patience which enabled them to bring to maturity the 
object of their w idles. 

The dire^ors to whom the management of this concern 
was entruftedare for their fidelity entitled to the efteem 
and approbation of the public, and of their immediate 
condituents. 

The Qontra^orSy Artificers and laborers who have 



C 'J I 

J^niJIjed tins work, have given lively fpecimens of mechani- 
cal Ikill, of diligence, and of punftual honor and honef- 
ty in executing their truft, and have merited and obtain- 
ed the confidence of thofe who had committed to themf 
their important interefts and their property. 

1 am warranted to tender the fincerc thanks of the 
Direftors and Coporation, to/Z'(?/> numerous individuals ^ 
in this and neighboring towns, who have gratuitoufly aid- 
ed this weighty enterprize by pecuniary contributions 
and perfonal labours. To thcfe pecuniary aids and per- 
fonal labours are the public much indebted for this ufe 
ful accommodation. 

We, in particular and with gratitude, acknowledge 
the generous and paternal interpofition of the Lcgijlaturs 
of this Commonwealth^ by granting to the corporation a; 
Lottery for raifmg ten thoufand dollars to relieve the Pro- 
prietors, opprelTed v/ith their lofTes, and to enfure to the 
community a mod important benefit which was in hazard' 
of being lofl. 

May the liberal benefaFiors of this defign, enjov the 
pleafmg fatisfafbion of feeing all their benevolent wiihes- 
•ompletely realized in the moft durable and extenfive ad- 
vantages to fociety and individuals. 

Hatfield-Bridge, this day opened for public ufe, 
may be viewed as a fpecimen of human art and fkill, of 
what great and noble projedls may be accompliflied by 
liberal zeal and a conftant pertinacious perfeverance. 
It is an ornamental monument of the public fpirit of the 
projectors and of the talents and ingenuity of thofe v/ho 
have executed the work. 

This is not a monument to perpetuate the name oi 
fome imperial butcher who has founded his fame and 
his greatnefs on the bones of his fubjefrs and flaves, who 
claims rank in the ^page of hiftory for having trampled 
down authorities, facked cities, impoverifhed and made 
defolate countries and kingdoms, once flouriihing in peace 
and joy and plenty. This is not a monument raifed at 
the expence of the freedom and independence of nations 
and cemented with the tears and. blood of men, a -{land- 
mg memento of pafled fufferings and of the prefcnt fervi- 
sude and degradation of God's rational creatures. 



r.6] 

No. This Bridge crefted under the foflering care oF 
Providence is devoted to thofe benevolent purpofes which 
accord with and promote the defigns of God's love to 
men. It is erefted, to be a bond of friendly union to 
the citizens of neighbouring towns — to facilitate and ren- 
der fafe and expeditious focial intercourfc — to preferve 
valuable property from peril and lofs — to relieve from 
folicitous apprehenfions and torturing fears the minds of 
travellers and their friends — and to be the ufeful inflru- 
ment of faving the lives of men and animals. 

Under thefe views, we may juftly confider this ftruft- 
ure, an ejfential public benefit. It is coincident with the 
goodnefs of God to men. It is not a futile, vain effort' of 
human pride. It is not the progeny of avarice. It is 
not an inflrument of lofs and fuffering. It is to be reck- 
oned among thofe ufeful labours of men, and thofe kind 
events of providence by which the aggregate fum of hu- 
man felicity is increafed and the fubfiftence and numbers 
of mankind are multiplied. 

May the God of heaven and the Redeemer of men 
own, accept and blefs the labour of our hands and make 
this, one link of that golden chain which is fiifpcndedi 
from his throne and reaches down to this footflool. 

May this be one of thofe numberlefs, effectual pre- 
paratory fteps which fiiall lead on the aufpicious day of 
man's renovation and bleffednefs, of that day in which all 
the inventions and employments of men, all their faculties 
and property ihall be holiness to the Lord. 

And now, my friends and fellow chriflians, permit me 
to conclude this addrefs with my fervent prayers to the 
God of all grace, that all you of this affembly may be as 
a city compacl together which cannot be broken down ; 
that you may be builded upon the foundation of the a- 
poftles and prophets, Jefus Chriil himfelf being the chief 
corner (tone : In whom all the building, being fitly fram- 
ed together, groweth into an holy temple in the Lord. 
And when the earthly houfe of this tabernacle fliall be 
difTohed, may you have abuilding of God, an houfe not 
made with hands, eternal in the heavens.— Amen, 



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